Telegram’s Durov Criticizes Spain’s Age Verification Plan

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, criticized Spain’s proposed law restricting social media for under-16s, stating it threatens privacy by turning the country into a ‘surveillance state.’

Durov’s statement warns of potential censorship, emphasizing Telegram’s commitment to user privacy, while Spain’s move reflects broader trends in global digital policy.

Durov Warns Spain’s Age Law Risks Privacy

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, criticized Spain’s proposed law on age verification for digital users under 16. This measure could transform Spain into a “surveillance state.” Durov emphasized potential risks of eroding anonymity and enabling censorship.

Pavel Durov and Spain’s Prime Minister are central figures in this conflict. Durov expressed concerns about privacy, while Pedro Sánchez highlighted the issue of law enforcement in social networks. Spain aims to implement restrictive social media policies for minors.

Pavel Durov, Founder, Telegram, warned, “Spain is turning into a surveillance state. These aren’t safeguards; they’re steps toward total control. We’ve seen this playbook before—governments weaponizing ‘safety’ to censor critics. On Telegram, we prioritize your privacy and freedom: strong encryption, no backdoors, and resistance to overreach.” Source

Age Verification Law Spurs Privacy Fears

The proposed law could influence Spain’s tech environment by intensifying regulatory scrutiny. Criticism highlights fears of potential misuse for censorship, aligning Spain with countries like Australia on age-restriction policies. The “surveillance state” concern adds to the debate. Telegram’s TON blockchain remains unaffected by the current policy discussion. The proposal could lead to stricter regulatory frameworks in Europe. No adverse effects on cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, or altcoins have been identified within available data.

Spain Targets Under-16 Social Media Use by 2024

Spain plans to join Australia in restricting social media for under-16s, starting December 2024. Such measures have sparked debates over privacy and digital rights. Critics like Durov warn about potential future implications on freedom of expression. Kanalcoin experts emphasize that legislations similar to this could create a trend of increased digital oversight. These steps could affect innovation in tech industries by prioritizing regulation over user privacy, possibly impacting user trust in digital platforms.